Pub owners say they have taken the step for security reasons. However, African nationals have been crying foul alleging it was purely because of discrimination.

Once known as the pub capital of India, Bangalore is now earning a bad name for a racist policy that bars the entry of African nationals into pubs across the city.

The Karnataka capital was one of the first cities in the country to have a thriving pub culture. In fact, it is still known for its rocking nightlife. But its reputation has taken a serious hit with pubs and restaurants across the city coming up with a bizarre racist diktat denying entry to African nationals.

Pub owners say they have taken the step for security reasons. However, African nationals have been crying foul alleging it was purely because of discrimination.

Samal Hakim, a Sudanese student, said, "We are feeling bad. When we want to go to some places they say 'no, you Africans are not allowed here'. But what can we say, this is not our country. We are just foreigners."

Another Sudanese student Amin said, "I have come across these instances many times but I don't want to say anything."

There are many like these Sudanese students who were humiliated and discriminated against. But the city's pub owners insisted there was no prejudice behind banning the entry of African nationals. They cited security concerns as the reason for the racist order.

Sanjay Raj, marketing head of Extreme Sports Bar, said, "We have to ensure that safety comes first. We had a bunch of 19 Afro-Americans who were there to party. They had a fight amongst themselves and started beating up the women who accompanied them. We have to ensure the safety of the customers and take precautions accordingly."

Several foreign nationals have been arrested recently for peddling drugs in Bangalore. Habitual offenders like Martin En Duke have been arrested thrice for the offence.

Bangalore joint commissioner of police (crime) Alok Kumar said, "They have been habitual offenders. They have been carrying their operations for so many years. But in the last two-three years we have registered several cases against them."

While the managements of pubs and bars have put a diplomatic stand on the issue, the fact remains that several African nationals in the city complain about the acts of discrimination.